Fitch, Even, Tabin & Flannery LLP protects our clients’ rights against cybersquatters and others who improperly register and use Internet domain names that are identical or confusingly similar to our clients’ names or trademarks. With the help of our global counsel network, we combat such abuses around the world, using traditional trademark laws, the Anti-Cybersquatting Consumer Protection Act, and the domain name uniform dispute resolution procedures (UDRP) conducted by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). This also includes the protection of brands in social media sites.
Fitch Even lawyers have successfully prosecuted numerous cybersquatting actions in federal court and UDRP arbitration proceedings, resulting in domain name transfers on behalf of our clients. Central to domain name enforcement is the kind of effective domain name registration that we provide to companies in many business sectors. We often conduct online availability searches for domain names of interest, register the name, docket and monitor renewal deadlines, and renew the domain name registrations at the appropriate times. Our trademark lawyers also keep a close eye on the opening of new domain names, identifying where assertive action is necessary to protect client interests.
Clients often ask us to maintain a portfolio of related domain names, registering them in the appropriate form in many other countries. We also protect such portfolios, using cease-and-desist letters, UDRP actions, and formal court proceedings as appropriate. As the law of domain names continues to evolve, our firm also helps clients take advantage of the latest innovations and opportunities, such as registering generic top-level domain names that reflect brand names or brand identities. And we are skilled at interpreting the nuances of domain name protection in the ever-expanding social media world.
At every stage of an entity's Internet and social media initiatives, Fitch Even can offer a comprehensive, integrated strategy that protects important names and brand identities in the digital world.